Clancy was celebrated for his technically detailed books on espionage and military science. His works "The Hunt for Red October," "Patriot Games," "Clear and Present Danger," and "The Sum of All Fears" were adapted into major Hollywood films.

"50 Shades Of Grey" author E.L. James debuted at No. 1 on the list, managing to knock long-time top-earner, James Patterson.

James, a former television exec, raked in $95 million from sales of her kinky, chick-lit trilogy, which sold more than 70 million copies in 2012. James made $5 million for her seal of approval on a film adaptation, due in theaters August 2014.

Patterson, who made $91 million in the last year, writes one of every 17 hardcovers released in the U.S. every year, according to Forbes.

Here's the full list of the Top-Earning Authors, with some of their best-sellers noted:

1. E.L. James, "50 Shades of Grey" — $95 million

2. James Patterson, "Maximum Ride," "Witch & Wizard" — $91 million

3. Suzanne Collins, "Hunger Games" — $55 million

4. Bill O'Reilly, "Killing Lincoln," "Killing Kennedy" — $28 million

5. Danielle Steel, romance novels — $26 million

6. Jeff Kinney, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "The Third Wheel" — $24 million